You’ll also see the juncos scratching for grass seeds or
insects in leaf litter and pine needles.

We usually start to see Dark-eyed Juncos in mid-Michigan
towards the end of October. You’ll see them hop or walk as they move along the
ground. Females tend to winter farther south away from the males who risk harsh
winters farther north in order to be closer to their breeding grounds.

Dark-eyed Juncos are often called “snowbirds,” because their
southern migration foretells the return of cold and snowy weather. The snowbird
nickname is also attached to the junco because it describes their white belly
plumage and slate-colored back, which reflects “leaden skies above, snow below”.

1 comment:

I had to look at this again! I love seeing the juncos out there! :) I am thinking about buying a tray to hang off my WBU pole this year since the juncos are usually looking below all the feeders I have hanging for food.